Features Research & Innovation
Technology News (April 01, 2006)

AWARD

NORPAC ONE OF CANADA’S BEST 50-MANAGED COMPANIES

BURNABY, BC — NORPAC Controls has been named one of Canada’s 50 best-managed companies. The company was selected from hundreds of applicants for the Deloitt CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post and Queen’s School of Business-sponsored award.

“We are known for our dedication to outstanding customer service and to innovation and it’s wonderful to be recognized for this in a national forum,” said Dave Wall, president of NORPAC. “We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers and our staff for their invaluable support over the years.”

IDENTITY

CANADIAN TIMKEN CHANGES NAME IN ST. THOMAS

ST. THOMAS, ON — Timken has issued a reminder that as of January 1, 2005, its location in St. Thomas, ON became known as Timken Canada LP. The change was implemented due to the restructuring of the company’s legal entities in Canada. Its former entities, Canadian Timken, Limited, based in St. Thomas and Torrington Canada ULC, based in Bedford, are distinguished as Canada LP – St. Thomas Division and Timken LP – Bedford Division. The change has little or no impact on the company’s day-to-day operations with its suppliers, customers or the financial community. The address and contact numbers have remained the same.

CONTRACT

MEC CHOOSES DOMTAR

VANCOUVER, BC — Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is sourcing its key commercial printing papers from Domtar’s EarthChoice line.

“Domtar was very receptive to our demands for more responsible papers,” said Peter ter Weeme, vice president of communications and marketing for MEC. “Their willingness to answer the call with a viable solution shows that strong corporate values and strategic partnerships are forces for positive change. Together with other actions we have taken to reduce our use of fibre, MEC continues to provide social and environmental leadership in Canada.”

Domtar EarthCote, part of the EarthChoice line, was used to print more than 670,000 copies of MEC’s 2005 Fall/Winter catalogue. With 35% post consumer waste content and virgin fibre certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to come from well-managed sustainable forests, EarthCote created significant environmental benefits.

PRODUCT

RHEOTEK LAUNCHES RPV-1

LA GRANGE, KY — RHEOTEK has launched a new laboratory automated viscometer. The RHEOTEK RPV-1 viscosity system provides an automated method for determining viscosity and intrinsic viscosity of pulp and cellulose solutions. The system is also suitable for automating viscosity measurement of most other types of polymer solutions dissolved in acids, organic solutions and aqueous solutions. Automation using the device reduces the variability of the results and minimizes operator exposure to hazardous chemicals. Designed specifically for laboratory use, the RPV-1 is manufactured from robust inert materials and features easy-to-use, operator friendly software. Several original modules, including nitrogen purge, auto sampler, heater stirrer and automated sample preparation can provide a fully automated system suitable for your application. A comprehensive set of ASTM, ISO SCAN, PAPTAC and TAPPI standard methods are programmed in the system’s software. Other methods can be programmed as required.

PRODUCT

SCHWARZ BLANKETS FULL STEAM AHEAD

LETHBRIDGE, AB — Shwarz Steam Blankets has developed a new environmentally friendly de-icing thawing and warming product, intended to improve onsite safety, reduce wait times, decrease production costs and increase customer revenues.

The steam blankets hook up easily to any steam or water line. Steam or water is then forced through the blanket by pressure and is evenly displaced through holes in the bottom of the blanket. Waterproof, the blankets are fire and mildew resistant and covered with polypropylene for extra protection and durability. Heat-resistant handles are securely sewn onto the sides for easy repositioning.